West Hempstead Students Breathe New Life Into Classic Musical

When Jessica Zivny first handed out the scripts and unveiled the early 1900's-style wardrobe that would be used in this year's musical production, The Music Man, Jr., her cast was somewhat skeptical.

This would be the sixth year Zivny, a graduate of West Hempstead High School, would direct the Middle School musical.

"I wanted to do something that was more human," said Zivny, who explained that for the past five years the shows had Disney or "magical" themes.

She also wanted a show that had a strong male lead.

"The past few shows have been mostly female-driven," she said. "It was time."

"The Music Man," a musical that focuses on a swindling salesmen who shakes a sleepy mid-western town by starting a band, fit this bill. Plus, "I love the music," Zivny said.

Auditions were held the first week in September, and the cast of about 40 got their roles and went to work right away.

Eighth-grader Kevin Rogers landed the role of Harold Hill, the male lead. Rogers played Prince Eric in last year's production of "The Little Mermaid." Fellow eighth-grader Cristen Phillips, an evil eel in last season's show, was picked to play the female lead and Hill's romantic interest, Marian Paroo. She sings one of the show's signature songs, "Till There Was You."

Rogers was every bit the leading man that the show called for. He commanded his solo numbers and had great chemistry with the entire cast of characters. Phillips dazzled in her role with strong vocals, dancing and composure while in the spotlight. Also, giving a stellar performance was Gabriella Pulice, who played Mrs. Paroo. Both young ladies showed off their remarkable poise, powerful voices and great acting that made it easy to forget that these were middle school students on stage.

Gabe Berkowitz, clad in some show-stopping plaid pants, had the audience clapping and roaring with laughter in response to his impeccable comedic timing and delivery of his lines. Also, displaying their knack for comedy was Emily Galvam, Alex Perlak, Ethan Masliansky and Harry Penson, who played School Board members, and the Pick-A-Little Ladies (Kayla Glicker, Layla Vicari, Alyssa Bicchetti, Amanda Lombardo, Jamie Dugal, Anna Chervinsky, and Samantha Romero, along with their eccentric leader, Eulalie Shinn, played by Jackie Signorile.

Everyone in the cast showed they clearly worked hard to memorize their lines, dance choreography and songs, while also developing colorful characters. They looked like they were having the time of their lives, especially when they were performing the bigger ensemble numbers, "Seventy-Six Trombones" and "Shipoopi." Their energy captivated the audience.

"This cast has really come a long way," Zivny said after the curtain fell on the opening night performance this Thursday, Nov. 18.

It appeared that all the preconceptions they once had about a show set in Iowa (Boring!) in 1912 (Out of date!) had been replaced by a new appreciation for a classic musical.

"They really came to embrace the show," Zivny said. "They found the sarcasm and comedy in it, and really loved it."

About 80 people in total worked on the show, and for the first year, Zivny was given the green light to hold a preview on Wednesday, Nov. 17, and extend the show's run by adding a Friday night performance. (.)

The school's principal, Marcia Murray, attended the sneak peak performance on Wednesday and said she couldn't stop smiling throughout the show.

"I was truly amazed at the caliber of talent of our students," she said.